Isopropyl Myristate

A unique characteristic of Isopropyl Myristate is its ability to reduce the greasy feel caused by the high oil content of other ingredients in a product. This synthetic oil is often added to beauty products to give them a slicker, sheer feel rather than an oily one. There are many cosmetic ingredients similar in function to this chemical, including Ethylhexyl Stearate, Isocetyl Stearate, Isopropyl Isostearate, and Myristyl Myristate.

Isopropyl Myristate is easily absorbed by the skin, ensuring quick penetration of a formula’s ingredients (Source). It is so deeply penetrating that it is also an ingredient in a multi-purpose rust remover, Liquid Wrench (Source). Though it is an effective emollient and valuable absorption carrier, repeated use of products with this ingredient may lead to clogged pores. In more than 5% of formulations, it can cause skin irritation; for this reason, it is considered a comedogenic and is aggravating to acne.